Pundits, politicians, and even ordinary people are mystified by the rise of the tea parties’ protest of the Democrats’ agenda. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the spontaneous uprising from the grass roots “Astroturf” – just before she lost her gavel to the Republicans. King George imposed his agenda over the objections of subjects – just before he lost both his subjects and his colonies to the power of people in pursuit of freedom.

Once again, people are rising up in defense of freedom against a “… Marxist-like takeover of Congress in 2008 … that launched audacity and intimidation to new heights,” says Beverly Eakman in her latest book, titled “A Common Sense Platform for the 21st Century.” Eakman contends that the nation may well be at a point in history quite similar to the days leading to the revolution, in which the people had to decide whether to accept the status quo or risk treasure, and even life, to enjoy the freedom endowed by the Creator.

Her concise 120-page book uses the first chapter to analyze the state of the nation and the reasons for it. Eakman, herself an educator, takes direct aim at the nation’s education system for training generations of people to focus on the collective rather than the individual, and on government largesse rather than individual responsibility. This emphasis has taught too many people that freedom is less important than comfort. Consequently, she says, “Our nation is devolving into just one more overbearing, top-heavy bureaucracy that controls through intimidation, red tape, paperwork and redistribution under some convenient pretext.” Eakman further observes:

Thanks to 40 years of watered-down schooling, most of today’s adults do not recall exactly how we got where we are now. Consequently, many of us have become closet Marxist-socialists without even realizing it.

The rise of the tea parties is evidence of a growing rebellion among people unwilling to accept this current reality. This is a time of great opportunity, or great danger. It is a time to realize that the future cannot be left to any political party, but must be guided by solid, proven principles. Eakman examines these principles in the context of current issues. Chapter 2 categorizes America’s most pressing issues: constitutional powers; founding ideals; national sovereignty; criminal justice and law enforcement; national defense; economic stability; health care; research; environment; and education. These issues must be addressed from the perspective of constitutional principles, not political expedience.

Chapter 3 is devoted to identifying specific examples of the “train of abuses and usurpations” imposed by a federal government that has been allowed to grow well beyond the size and power ever intended by the founders. As an example of the federal government’s ridiculous misuse of power, Eakman offers the required pat down or X-ray of every air traveler to protect against terrorists, while abandoning a 32-mile stretch along the Mexican border where law-enforcement officers are not allowed, for fear of damaging an endangered species. This makes the entire area a safe-zone for smugglers, terrorists and illegal immigrants to enter anytime they wish. Additional examples of current abuses fill Chapter 4. In a very few pages, Eakman provides solid evidence of a government run amok.

The principles that must guide the development and implementation of a 21st-century platform must include: fiscal responsibility; constitutionally limited government; free markets; and an environment of integrity, decency and self control. Chapter 5 gets more specific in its identification of the principles that must be honored: private property rights; non-intervention in the marketplace by government entities; reversal of entitlements and redistribution policies; rededication to America, as opposed to self-defeating “globalization” polices.

The “Common Sense Platform for the 21st Century” is spelled out in Chapter 6. From such obvious elements as term limits, earmarks, and control of perks and compensation, to sun-setting every government program to force a periodic evaluation, Eakman has spelled out a people’s platform that government must be required to respect. Her platform attacks “political correctness” and “multiculturalism” as enemies of freedom. The use of eminent domain by government for the benefit of other private citizens is condemned, as is government’s rush to erase any trace of Christianity from public life.

The book concludes with an insightful discussion of the political party system in the United States, and particularly the effectiveness and potential of third-party initiatives. Eakman examines the role the media play in advancing or destroying political agendas, noting that it is common practice among socialists to ignore the opposition agenda and destroy people who advance an opposing agenda. This tactic was especially successful in the Delaware and Nevada Senate races where the opposition candidates were unmercifully demeaned personally, with no attention paid by the media to the issues the candidates advanced.

This platform for the 21st century could not have arrived at a better time. With the new Congress convening after the holidays, and the next presidential election cycle already under way, this book should be required reading for every elected official, every candidate, campaign worker and, indeed, for every American.